The ruler of Dubai and vice president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoumhas, has offered $1 million USD to the research institute that comes up with an effective solution to the global water shortage problem.
But on one condition — the solution must involve solar energy. All institutions are eligible for the prize, not just those located in the UAE.
The Sheikh Mohammed made the announcement recently at a reception for supporters and contributors to the UAE Water Aid campaign at Za’beel Palace, Dubai, in the presence of UAE rulers, royalty and government representatives.
He also tweeted the news:
Today we launched a USD 1M prize to find sustainable & innovative solutions to purify & desalinate water using solar power #UAEWaterAid— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) July 15, 2014
The World Health Organisation estimates 1.6 million people die every year from diarrhoeal diseases (including cholera) attributable to lack of access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation and 90 percent of these are children under 5, mostly in developing countries.
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